Canadiens Hall of Fame center and former captain Jean Beliveau dead at 83

FILE - In this May 19, 1971, file photo, Montreal Canadiens team captain Jean Beliveau holds the Stanley Cup in Chicago following the Canadiens 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Beliveau died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. He was 83. The team confirmed the death of the Hall of Fame center and one of the most beloved players in Canadiens history. (AP Photo/File)
(The Associated Press)

In this Oct. 18, 2003 photo, the former Montreal Canadiens captain Jean Beliveau waves to the crowd during his tribute for his 25 years with the Canadiens before an NHL hockey game between the Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs in Montreal. Beliveau died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014, at the age of 83. His death was confirmed by a member of the NHL club. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Andre Pichette)
(The Associated Press)

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 2009, file photo, Montreal Canadiens great Jean Beliveau poses at his home in St. Lambert, Quebec. Beliveau died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014. He was 83. The team confirmed the death of the Hall of Fame center and one of the most beloved players in Canadiens history. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Graham Hughes, File)
(The Associated Press)

Former Montreal Canadiens captain Jean Beliveau died Tuesday. He was 83.

The team confirmed the death of the Hall of Fame center and one of the most beloved players in Canadiens history.

A supremely skilled center who spent 18 fulls seasons and parts of two others with Montreal, Beliveau was also a popular ambassador for the sport. He scored 507 goals, won 10 Stanley Cups and was captain for 10 seasons before his retirement in 1971. He then moved seamlessly into an executive position with the club.